- Published:
- Friday 19 June 2026 at 9:00 am
The Victorian Multicultural Commission (VMC) presented the eighth edition of the Multicultural Film Festival (MFF) on 18 June 2026. The event, delivered in partnership with Swinburne University of Technology and SBS, premiered to a packed audience of 400 people at ACMI Cinemas in Melbourne.
MC’d by former VMC Chairperson and filmmaker Helen Kapalos, the premiere spotlighted powerful stories of resilience and hope. The premiere showcased multicultural experiences in Australia and abroad through 10 compelling short films, chosen from an outstanding pool of 767 submissions.
VMC Chairperson, Vivienne Nguyen AM, presented the Chairperson’s Refugee Stories Award to filmmakers Deng Achieu and Jesse Matthew, for their short film From No Voice to Big Voice.
In recognition of Refugee Week and the 2026 theme, ‘A Million Stories’, the premiere featured entertainers proudly representing refugee and asylum seeker backgrounds, including South Sudanese singer, Ajak Kwai, and a dynamic performance from Ashur Folklore Ensemble.
The Friends of MFF program continued this year, with industry leaders working to increase community engagement and year-round support for diverse storytelling.
The festival will continue to inspire audiences across Victoria from July to November 2026, touring to Bunjil Place in Narre Warren, Halls Gap Hub Centenary Hall and St Arnaud Community Cinema in the Northern Grampians Shire Council, Peninsula Cinemas in Rosebud and Federation Square. The MFF will stream nationally on SBS On Demand from 9 November for 12 months.
The VMC congratulates all filmmakers chosen for the MFF Official Selection and award recipients whose stories captivated audiences. The MFF serves to connect people across cultures, languages and generations, and reminds us that our differences are something to celebrate.
For more details on the 2026 MFF, including the tour schedule, a full list of winning films and honourable mentions, visit: multiculturalcommission.vic.gov.au/MFF(opens in a new window).
Quote attributable to Minister for Multicultural and Multifaith Victoria Ingrid Stitt
“I would like to congratulate every cast and crew member who dedicated their time and creativity to the Multicultural Film Festival.”
Quote attributable to Minister for Creative Industries Vicki Ward
“Sharing diverse stories is vital in supporting communities flourish; they help us connect, understand and respect each other. The talent on display at this important film festival is exciting and inspiring.”
Quote attributable to Victorian Multicultural Commission Chairperson Vivienne Nguyen AM
“The Victorian Multicultural Commission is proud to uplift talented filmmakers through the Multicultural Film Festival, celebrating the stories that shape who we are as a community. Through film, we are creating space for diverse voices to be seen, heard and valued as part of our public discourse.”
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